A mobile phone network or cellular phone network as it is also known, is made up of a large number of signal areas called cells. These cells join or overlap each other to form a large coverage area. Users on the network can cross into different cells without loosing connection.

Within each cell you will find a base station or mobile phone tower, which sends and receives the mobile transmissions. A mobile device will connect to the nearest or least congested base station. The base stations are connected to a digital exchange where the communication is sent to other telephone or data networks.

Cells will often be smaller in size throughout large towns and cities due to the number of users in the area. The higher the population density the more base stations are needed.

Communication over the mobile network can be made up of voice, data, images and text messages.